Winter Driving Tips

Driving in the winter can be a dangerous task for Minnesotans but your risk can be lowered by following a few simple steps before starting your journey on the snowy roads of Minnesota.

Share the roads with snowplows

Snowplows take up most of the road and affect a driver's vision while clearing the roads, but just remember they are making the roads safer for you. Be patient with snowplow drivers and stay back at least 5 car lengths so you can avoid the snow cloud that trails behind them. Slow down for the road-clearing vehicle and stay alert, as they tend to exit frequently and the warning signs can be difficult to see.

Slow down and be in control

Some drivers forget what could be on the roads in the winter and don’t adjust their driving,  which is what causes most accidents. Slow down and allow extra space between you and other vehicles. Avoid driving while tired to make sure you are focused on the task at hand when driving through a storm. Take away the distractions from your car and put away the cell phones.

Check your vehicle

Get your vehicle ready for the winter with a maintenance check-up. Make sure your windshield wipers are prepared for the weather and your tires have traction to bare the icy roads. Don’t forget to put your ice scraper in your car. Lastly, it is not a bad idea to keep washer fluid effective to –24.8 degrees and don’t let your fuel level go lower than half tank.

Be prepared

Have emergency supplies with you. This includes a charged cell phone or spare battery, non-perishable food, water, flashlight, blanket, warm clothes, winter boots, jumper cables, shovel and traction mats or sand.

Stay home in bad conditions

Don’t go out on the roads if you don’t have to. There is no point putting yourself and others at risk if the conditions are too much to bare. You may be able to drive in rough snow, but others might not be so fortunate. Check the weather before making travel plans to avoid any disappointments or major delays.

Put yourself and family first this winter season and take precaution when going out to drive. If you are looking to get a new vehicle to tackle Minnesota winter driving conditions, visit Tenvoordeford,com to check out our selection of new and used vehicles. Stay safe out there!

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Summer has faded, the leaves have fallen and winter is on the horizon. With winter comes sledding, snowmen, ice-covered lakes, and hot chocolate, but it also brings a couple months of dangerous driving. At Tenvoorde Ford, we want to help you prepare for winter driving with some tips to get your car ready to take on the winter season.

The best course of action is to plan ahead. It is important to be ready for the snow to come at any time, especially when you live in Minnesota.

• Check your radiator - either on your own (if you know how) or with a professional. Make sure to add antifreeze if needed.

• It’s never fun when you use windshield wiper fluid and it freezes instantly. Buy a wintertime mixture and keep it in your car in case you run out.

• Check your tires. Your tires will directly impact how your car can handle the snowy season. Make sure your tires have enough traction or replace your current tires with winter tires for added traction for the icy roads. You’ll also want to make sure the air pressure in your tires is at a normal level.

• Never go below a half tank of gas. During the winter it is important to keep your gas tank near full at all times, which will help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

• Consider replacing your windshield wipers with winter wipers. Winter wipers have rubber coverings which keep ice from collecting on the blade providing you a clear view.

• If you have a car with rear wheel drive, put a couple of bags of sand in the back to add extra weight to your car. The extra weight helps increase traction on your back wheels.

Plan longer trips thoroughly ahead of time. Check the weather before you leave; if it calls for a snowstorm change your plans to avoid dangerous road conditions. After all, there’s no destination so important that you need to put yourself or your family at risk to get there.

Now that you know what you need to do, go do it! Don’t wait another day as winter is fast approaching. Most winter problems come from the driver simply not being prepared and finding themselves in a situation that could have easily been avoided. Visit Tenvoordeford.com for more information on preparing for winter driving.

The Best Minnesota Road Trips for Fall Color

Everyone’s favorite part about Fall in Minnesota is seeing the beautiful change in the trees. The golds, reds and oranges light up the trees for miles and miles. While you may be able to enjoy the Fall colors right where you are, we want to fill you in on a few of the most amazing places to visit to get the most out of those fall colors this season.

St. John’s University - St. Joseph, MN

Located right here in Central Minnesota, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSBSJU) is a local favorite for beautiful scenery year round. Surrounded by beautiful trees, buildings and landscaping, CSBSJU is a picture-perfect destination for Fall colors. Whether you decide to take a walk by the water or visit the iconic stick sculpture, you’re sure to see a beautiful sight anywhere you go. Don’t forget to bring a camera to this destination!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - Chaska, MN

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the perfect place to see the Fall colors with over 1,000 acres of beautiful trees and scenery. Take a look at some of the many sculptures scattered throughout, appreciate the flowers in the gardens or walk through the beautiful trees on the trail. Whatever you decide to do with your time at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, you’ll be in awe by the amazing scenery.

Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway - Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is the perfect way to experience the beauty of nature without leaving the comfort of the city! Drive the 46 miles around the byway or take a walk on the paths to see some beautiful trees and Fall colors surrounding the city and the Chain of Lakes.

Superior National Forest Scenic Byway

Take this 61 mile drive and we promise you won’t be disappointed! The Superior National Forest Scenic Byway runs along Lake Superior and delivers some of the most spectacular views of Minnesota wildlife. Enjoy the trees, the colors and watch the sky for migrating birds. You might even see an eagle!

Sadly, there isn’t much time left before the snow falls, so be sure to plan your trip soon. If you need a new (or new-to-you) vehicle to get you there, visit our website or stop into Tenvoorde Ford in St. Cloud.